The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
